Public Diplomacy Commercial Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Program

The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is offering funding through the Commercial Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Program to enhance U.S.-Kyrgyz commercial ties and support economic development in the Kyrgyz Republic. The grant opportunity is funded through Fiscal Year 2025 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and administered under the program number STATE-BISHKEK-PDS-25-0004. This initiative aims to generate sustainable job growth and foster entrepreneurship while creating market opportunities for U.S. businesses and enhancing local employment options to reduce outmigration. The primary objective of the program is to raise awareness of U.S. market opportunities within the Kyrgyz Republic and facilitate strong partnerships between Kyrgyz and American businesses. The grant encourages leveraging American expertise and participation of U.S. companies, experts, and institutions. Proposals may include initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurship skills, promote intellectual property rights (IPR), provide community-based employment programs, and support economic outreach to foster an informed consumer base. Applicants are expected to align with one or two defined program objectives, such as capacity building for enterprises, business networking events, IPR education, and job placement programs. Funding will be awarded in the form of grants or cooperative agreements, the latter involving substantial participation from the U.S. Embassy. Anticipated project durations range from 6 to 12 months, beginning between September and October 2025. Awards will range from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on the project scope and funding availability. Up to three projects may be selected. Matching funds are not required. Applicants may include Kyrgyz-registered nonprofit entities, educational institutions, or U.S.-based NGOs partnering with Kyrgyz entities. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and others), a six-page project proposal, a detailed line-item budget and justification, résumés or position descriptions for key staff, letters of support from partners, and relevant proof of registration and nonprofit status. Proposals must clearly define goals, objectives, activities, timelines, and deliverables, and include a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan using a theory of change and performance monitoring template. Applications can be submitted by email to bishkekprojectproposals@state.gov or through Grants.gov. There are two submission deadlines: May 31, 2025, and July 15, 2025, both at 11:59 p.m. Bishkek time. Proposals will be reviewed based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, budget justification, and the project's sustainability and alignment with American leadership. Notification of selection will occur within 120 days of the respective deadlines. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. Subrecipients must obtain UEIs before receiving funds. Applications missing required documentation will be deemed ineligible. Any use of grant funds for prohibited purposes—including construction, partisan activity, religious instruction, or direct social services—is not allowed. Awardees will report progress quarterly and must provide final reports 120 days after the project ends.

Use M&E templates provided; include clear Theory of Change; partner with U.S. organizations and experts to strengthen competitiveness; proposals that involve American Spaces or USG alumni receive preference